Reflecting on the beginning of the New Year

It seems the New Year has started with a great deal of joy and optimism once again.  Unfortunately, the holiday cheer was been haunted by bombings, murders, and widespread chaos throughout the world.  Reflecting once again on the death of Nelson Mandela, the ashes of tragedy and despair made way for great leaders like the South African President.  With the death of people like Nelson Mandela, the remnants of old conflicts die and finally fade away as though they were simply a nightmare.  With the death of the conflicts of the last generations, we are left to focus on the challenges of today.  There is a lot going wrong right now and a lot more will wrong very soon, but the ashes of ongoing and emerging catastrophes will soon serve as a catalyst for the next generation of leaders, if we support their emergence.